Hot Topics:

Column: Is there a patriotism gap?

By Byron York, Syndicated columnist

Updated:
07/11/2014 10:03:49 AM MDT

Despite prolonged economic troubles, deep political divisions, headaches abroad, and a sense that the country is on the wrong track, the heartening news this summer is that a majority of people say they often feel proud to be an American.

A new Pew Research Center poll divides the public into seven political categories. There are "steadfast conservatives" who embrace social and small-government conservatism. "Business conservatives" who are more pro-Wall Street. "Young outsiders" who distrust both political parties but hold liberal positions on the environment and social issues. The "next generation left" who are mostly liberal but skeptical about government's effectiveness. The "faith and family left" who favor an activist government but are somewhat socially conservative. The "hard-pressed skeptics" who are financially stressed, lean Democratic but distrust government. And finally, the "solid liberals" who take the liberal position on pretty much everything.

Pew asked members of all categories whether they "often feel proud to be American." The conservatives are most proud — 81 percent of the business conservatives and 72 percent of the steadfast conservatives say they often feel U.S. pride.

Only among the solid liberals does the number fall below a majority, with just 40 percent saying they often feel proud. Why do they feel the way they do?

It's not just because they are liberals or Democrats; other groups that clearly lean toward liberal ideas and Democratic candidates express more pride in America. What is different about the ones who take the least pride in the United States?

According to Pew, solid liberals make up about 17 percent of registered voters. Most (69 percent) are white. They are "highly educated and affluent," according to the survey. They are the most loyal Democrats of all groups and "unflagging supporters of Barack Obama."

Solid liberals are more urban than other groups, more likely to use public transportation, more likely to recycle. They're the most likely to say they want to live close to museums and theaters, and the least likely to hunt or fish.

They voted for Obama more than any other ideological group -- 91 percent. Today they give the president a job approval rating of 84 percent -- 40 points higher than the public at large. They identify with the Democratic Party more than any of the conservative groups identify with the GOP.

According to Pew, the most conservative Americans are likely to say that honor and duty are their core values. Solid liberals are more likely to say that compassion and helping others are their core values.

Pew researchers tested several ideas with solid liberals to discover their "key beliefs." Some of the statements they reacted most positively to include: 1) "Stricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the cost." 2) "Immigrants today strengthen our country because of their hard work and talents." 3) "Good diplomacy is the best way to ensure peace." 4) "The U.S. economic system unfairly favors powerful interests." And 5) "Abortion should be legal in all or most cases."

But here's the thing: Despite negative feelings about the U.S., solid liberals are the most optimistic of any of the categories; 70 percent say America's best days lie ahead. And more than any other group, they believe the United States has been successful not for its reliance on any set of principles but because of its ability to change.

There seems no doubt the country has changed in the solid liberals' direction. There is a fledgling national health care system. More economic regulation. New environmental restrictions. A strongly pro-choice administration. A growing immigrant population.

That's a lot of change -- in just the last few years. Maybe those solid liberals should feel proud a bit more often.

Byron York is chief political correspondent for The Washington Examiner.

ODESSA, Texas (AP) — A West Texas man has been charged with impersonating an officer by using sirens and flashing lights to skip to the head of the drive-thru line at a fast-food restaurant. Full Story

Sufjan Stevens, "Carrie & Lowell" (Asthmatic Kitty) Plucked strings and pulsing keyboards dominate the distinctive arrangements on Sufjan Stevens' latest album, and in the absence of a rhythm section, they serve to keep time. Full Story